Fifteen years ago, I made a decision that left everyone around me scratching their heads. I gave up alcohol cold turkey. It was a choice that seemed strange to the people in my life, yet today, it stands as one of the best decisions I ever made for my happiness. That choice didn’t just transform my physical wellbeing; it fueled my journey into bigger rooms, helped grow my business and according to my kids, made me the happiest person they know!
This is just one example of the incredibly impactful choices that have become what I call my “secret sauces.” They’re significant yet simple actions that have defined me as a mum, a businesswoman and a leader. They aren’t magical elixirs, but the impact they’ve had is huge.
Today, I’m sharing these three secret sauces that have helped me create a life full of happiness (which is totally underrated, in my opinion!) Here’s hoping they’ll inspire you to cook up your own secret sauces to create the life you truly want.
1. Giving Up Alcohol and Gaining Clarity
I can still vividly remember waking up with a four-day hangover from just half a glass of wine, thinking it was normal. Turns out, it’s not! After realising it was actually an allergy to alcohol, I made the bold decision to quit. Despite the initial laughs from others and the limited non-alcoholic beverage options back then, I stuck with it.
The result was totally transformative. Without the haze of alcohol, I began experiencing restorative sleep that left me refreshed and full of energy. My moods stabilised and unhealthy cravings disappeared, leading to better overall health choices. The mental fog that once lingered lifted, allowing me to make decisions more efficiently and concentrate on what truly mattered.
This clarity and vitality benefitted not just me but everyone around me. My family got a better version of me, and so did my business.
2. Being the Small Fish in a Big Pond
The second of my secret sauces that has fuelled my growth is consistently choosing to be the small fish in a big pond. Early in my business career, I joined a demanding business school. It was extremely intimidating to be surrounded by individuals making half a million or more whilst I was literally making doughnuts (yep, zero dollars!). Tears were shed, and moments of impostor syndrome were plentiful, but I knew staying was crucial.
These rooms forced me to stretch my mindset and see beyond what I believed was possible. They humbled me, teaching me that growth happens outside of our comfort zones. Over time, as my business expanded, I continuously sought larger rooms to remain challenged and inspired. It was in these discomforting spaces that I found magic: ideas, connections and inspiration that propelled my growth.
3. Choosing Happiness Every Day
My kids tell me I’m the happiest person they know. How amazing it that?! It’s an honour rooted in intentionality and consistent personal choices. Happiness, as I’ve discovered, doesn’t happen by accident. It’s cultivated through daily actions. Every day, I consciously decide to embrace a positive attitude, inspired by a time when I worked in an unhappy environment and chose to spread joy with daily greetings like “Happy Monday! Happy Tuesday!”
Beyond positivity, I prioritise my health, remain curious, create space for joy and set firm boundaries to protect my energy. These choices have not only made me a better mother and business leader but also gifted me a genuine happiness that isn’t contingent on external circumstances.
What Are Your Secret Sauces for Happiness?
What’s the one decision you could make this week that might grant you additional energy, growth or clarity? It doesn’t have to be giving up alcohol like I did. Seek out what’s right for you and get ready to grow into the next, even better version of you.
Your secret sauce can change everything. Find it, honour it and let it fuel the life and business you dream of.
For a copy of Emma’s book, ‘Go-getter: Raise your mojo, shift your mindset and thrive’ – https://emmamcqueen.com.au/want-more/emmas-book/